The level of automation in the microbiology laboratory has been lagging behind that of other major clinical laboratory segments, such as chemistry and hematology. The slow acceptance of the technology is in part due to the complexity of developing automation suitable for microbiology tests.

The inProduction of automated microbiology instrumentation has been delayed by a number of intrinsic and technical problems. The diffusion of automated microbiology systems, once the technology was developed, has not matched that of other automated laboratory technologies. The acquisition of automation in microbiology has been slowed by forces less easily identifiable than the effects of various reimbursement plans. Some laboratorians still believe that current instrumentation is not the ultimate technology and expect better automation on the horizon.

The driving force behind the need for rapid reporting of microbiological test results is the clinical relevance in a time of financial austerity, a time when cost and health care effecfiveness to the patient and diagnostician looms ever larger, and where after-the-fact results at high expense are coming under severe scrutiny worldwide.

This comprehenfive report will assist diagnostics industry execufives, as well as companies planning to fiversify into the dynamic and rapidly expanding German microbiology market, in evaluating emerging opportunities and developing effecfive business strategies.

- Emerging opportunities for new analyzers, reagents kits, IT and other Products with significant market appeal during the next five years. - Design criteria for decentralized testing Products. - Alternafive market penetration strategies. - Potential market entry barriers and risks.

Contains 420 pages and 78 tables

Please note: The delivery time for the electronic version of this report is between 1-3 business days to allow the preparation of an updated version prior to dispatch.